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Helping Clients Navigate Injury Claims

We’re ready to help with a variety of case-types, here’s just a small example of how we can help:

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Large Firm Results & Representation with Small Firm Personalized Attention & Care

Michael is determined to provide each of his clients with personal, one-on-one legal attention. With the Beliz Law Firm, you’re not a number. Each case is important to us, and we promise to treat our clients with respect. We firmly believe in providing you with a voice in your time of need. At the same time, our Long Beach Injury Lawyers focus on maximizing the value of your case - we’re ready to handle tough negotiations with the insurance company. Finally, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if that’s what’s needed.

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I would highly recommend The Beliz Law Firm and should I need legal counsel or a personal injury lawyer in the future, Michael Beliz has become my new go-to guy.

- M.M.
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Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Michael Beliz

Small Firm Attention, Big Firm Results

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has extensive experience with personal injury claims and has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of accident and injury cases, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

At the University of San Diego School of Law, Michael was a multiple-year recipient of the Delroy Richardson Endowed Law Scholarship and attained the high pass in Negotiation. In addition, he was a semi-finalist in the ATLA Intramural Mock Trial Competition. Prior to graduating from law school, Michael earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach where he was a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society for Economics. Michael A. Beliz is admitted to the State Bar of California and United States District Court, Central District of California.

What to Expect from Our Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

At the Beliz Law Firm, we understand the wide range of emotions you experience after suffering injuries in an accident. It can be a scary time fueled by emotions of stress, anxiety, and anger. You may have many questions but no answers. Long Beach injury attorney Michael Beliz provides you with personal, one-on-one attention so you get the answers you need during the most difficult time in your life. At the Beliz Law Firm, each case is important to us, and we treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

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Client Testimonials

  • "I was referred to the Beliz Law Firm by a family friend and was not disappointed. I was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a drunk driver and when I needed the services of an attorney, Michael Beliz came to my work to discuss my options. He is very friendly and explains everything in effectively and in detail. He recommended a great chiropractor whom I then sought treatment from and who helped me recover from my injuries. Michael created an excellent report used in my case which allowed me to receive the maximum return in my settlement. I have already referred a family friend and recommended another long time friend to seek his services. God forbid I ever get in another serious accident, but if I do I will for sure contact Michael again to seek his help. He’s a great guy who does great work!"

    Y.R.

  • Long beach personal injury lawyer Michael Beliz represented my personal injury case this year and I’m glad I found them. In summation Michael Beliz came across as intelligent, effective, friendly, and genuine. An excellent people person and well versed attorney is a hard combination to find. Michael walked us through everything; spoke to me like a person and not a case number. He just pretty much made the whole ordeal so much easier. Michael was extremely helpful, patient and responsive with my family and me the entire time. Michael regularly checked in on me during my recovery and kept me up to date on the status of the case and conversations with the other parties’ insurance company. My case wasn’t large but he treated me as if I was one of his only cases. I would highly recommend the Beliz firm to family and friends as the highest recommendation I could offer.”

    M.G.

  • "No one wants to involve an attorney in an auto claim, but sometimes you have no choice. Michael made an unpleasant situation so much easier. He really took the time to understand everything that was going on and always gave me prompt and personal attention. He was involved immediately and took over all the interactions with the insurance companies. He became the only one I had to deal with and there were never any games with him, only sound advice. My only mistake was not calling Michael sooner. I now recommend an attorney anytime an injury is involved in an auto accident, if only so they can deal with the insurance companies’ games, and you would be hard pressed to find someone better than Michael Beliz."

    T.V.

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Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Speak with a Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer?

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California?

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

How Much Does a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

How Much is My Case Worth?

Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Am Partially at Fault for My Injury?

Who Can Be Liable for My Injuries?

What Should I Expect During the Free Consultation?

Recent Blog Posts

Attorney Portrait

Average Settlement for Compression Fracture from Car Accident

Sep 24, 2025 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

A compression fracture from a car accident can upend your job, family life, and overall health. When it happens because of another driver’s negligence, it can be especially frustrating. If the other driver’s insurance company offers to pay you at all, they will probably lowball you and claim it’s an average settlement for a compression fracture. The truth is that there is no one average settlement for a compression fracture. The compensation you should receive should be tailored to exactly what you lost, as well as the future costs that will arise because of this injury. At the Beliz Law Firm, we calculate the full amount you are owed and then fiercely advocate for it. How Compensation Is Calculated A spinal compression fracture due to a car accident can result in long-term pain, mobility issues, and even permanent changes to your ability to work or participate in daily activities. In California, compensation for such an injury is calculated by examining the unique impact on your life. Several factors influence the value of your case: Insurance companies often try to reduce these cases to a number that ignores the details of your life. At the Beliz Law Firm, we do the opposite. We gather medical records, consult specialists, and document how the injury disrupted and changed your circumstances. This careful approach ensures the calculation reflects your true loss. How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Payout  Insurance companies have one goal: to save money. Even in cases of clear negligence, they may deploy tactics designed to reduce the payout. You may see them: These strategies are intended to frustrate you into accepting less than you deserve. Without legal help, many people end up agreeing to a compression fracture car accident settlement that fails to cover even the basic medical bills, let alone future costs. Our role is to anticipate and counter these tactics with solid evidence and legal arguments. Compression Fracture from Car Accident Settlement Process The settlement process follows several key stages. Each stage matters because it shapes the outcome of your case. This process can take time, but patience and persistence usually lead to better outcomes. Quick settlements may seem tempting, but they rarely account for the long-term impact of a compression fracture. Common Medical Treatments and Their Costs A compression fracture often requires a wide range of medical interventions. These treatments significantly affect the settlement amount because they reflect both the injury’s severity and the anticipated recovery costs. Typical treatments include: Each treatment carries different costs. Some require ongoing care, meaning the financial impact could continue long after the initial accident. Factoring these expenses into a settlement is critical to ensure you are not left paying out of pocket. Long-Term Effects of a Compression Fracture Even with the best medical care, many people experience long-term consequences from a spinal compression fracture. Car accident victims may find that the injury completely reshapes their daily lives. Examples include: It is vital that your claim consider these outcomes. A settlement that only pays for initial hospital bills is inadequate when the injury continues to affect you for decades. Schedule Your Free Case Review At the Beliz Law Firm, we know that a compression fracture is more than a medical diagnosis. It is a life-altering injury with lasting consequences for you and your family. Since 2011, we have dedicated our practice exclusively to personal injury cases, and we have seen how insurance companies undervalue serious spinal injuries when calculating compression fracture car accident settlements. Fortunately, you do not need to face the insurance company alone. Michael Beliz will work with you one-on-one to pursue the full compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and the pain you are living with. Contact the firm today to schedule your free case review and begin the process of protecting your future.

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Is California a No-Fault State?

Sep 24, 2025 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

You’ve been hurt in a car accident, and now you are not only trying to navigate the healthcare system, but also the car insurance system. The good news is that we can help. Is California an at-fault state or is California a no-fault state for auto accidents? California is an at-fault state. That means the person responsible for the car accident has to pay for the damages. At the Beliz Law Firm, we help you hold this person accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. No-Fault vs. At-Fault  When it comes to auto insurance, states generally follow one of two systems: no-fault or at-fault. No-Fault State  A no-fault system requires drivers to turn to their insurance company for compensation, regardless of who caused the accident. Under this structure, you file a claim with your insurance carrier, and they pay your medical bills up to a certain limit. These systems often restrict your ability to sue another driver unless your injuries meet a higher severity threshold. You may be asking,  At-Fault State (California) An at-fault system, which applies in California, places financial responsibility on the person who caused the crash. If another driver’s careless actions led to your injuries, that driver’s insurance company becomes responsible for covering your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. This structure allows you to pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurer and, when necessary, file a lawsuit in court. In an at-fault state like California, the amount you recover depends heavily on proving who caused the accident.  How Is Fault Assigned in California’s At-Fault System? Assigning fault in California relies on evidence that shows who acted negligently. Fault can be established through several types of evidence, depending on the stage of the claim, including: Negligence can mean many things, including speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, or failing to yield. California’s Comparative Negligence Doctrine Another important legal aspect is California’s pure comparative negligence doctrine. This rule means more than one party can share blame for an accident. If you are partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, imagine another driver rear-ended you, but you had a broken taillight at the time. A court or insurance adjuster might decide you were 20 percent at fault for not maintaining your vehicle, while the other driver was 80 percent at fault for failing to stop. If your damages totaled $100,000, you would recover $80,000 instead of the full amount. Comparative negligence ensures that each party pays according to their share of fault. This rule can significantly impact the outcome of your case, which is why having legal guidance matters. At the Beliz Law Firm, we work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery. What Is the Process of Filing Claims and Recovering Damages? The process of filing claims and recovering damages in California involves several key steps: Every step requires careful documentation, attention to detail, and awareness of deadlines. As your attorney, we step in and handle this work for you. Does California Have No-Fault Insurance? California does not operate under a no-fault insurance system. You cannot purchase a policy that allows you to recover damages from your own insurance company regardless of fault. Instead, drivers rely on liability insurance coverage carried by the at-fault driver. However, California does require insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage. This type of policy protects you if you are hit by a driver who has no or insufficient insurance to cover your damages. Uninsured Motorist Coverage If the at-fault driver in an accident does not have auto insurance, or if they fled the scene after the accident (hit-and-run), then you can pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it. Instead of making a claim with the other driver’s insurer, you file with your own under your uninsured motorist policy. Your insurer then pays for your medical expenses and other damages up to the limits of your policy. Contact Us Today Navigating an at-fault system can be overwhelming, especially when you are injured and facing medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about your future. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to reduce payouts. Without experienced legal help, you risk receiving far less than you need to cover your losses. At the Beliz Law Firm, we focus exclusively on personal injury law and have served car accident victims since 2011. We are a small firm with big results, and we understand what it takes to build strong cases in California’s at-fault system. We investigate every detail, challenge unfair insurance tactics, and fight for full compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in California, contact us today. We are ready to help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process, and pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

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Average Settlement for a Broken Clavicle in California

Sep 24, 2025 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

A fractured clavicle caused by a car accident can really disrupt your life. You may face medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about your recovery. Many injured people come to us asking about the average settlement for broken clavicle cases in California. While no two cases are identical, we can explain the factors that drive settlement value and what you should consider when evaluating your claim. Understanding the Injury A fractured clavicle, also called a broken collarbone, is a common occurrence in car accidents. The force of a seatbelt, the impact of a steering wheel, or a side collision can snap the bone that connects your shoulder to your chest. The seriousness of the break influences every part of your recovery and, therefore, the potential settlement. Clavicle fractures fall into several categories: The more complex the fracture, the more medical costs, pain, and long-term impact you face. Key Factors Influencing Broken Clavicle Settlement Value Several considerations guide the calculation of a broken clavicle settlement, including the: Each factor carries weight in negotiations with the insurance company. As your attorney, we make sure every aspect of your injury is documented and presented in a way that reflects the true cost to your life. Average Settlement for Broken Clavicle People often want a specific number when asking about the average settlement for broken clavicle injuries. The reality is that settlements vary widely, ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to well over six figures, depending on the details listed above. A fracture that heals cleanly in a few months without surgery will fall on the lower end. A displaced fracture requiring surgery, extended therapy, and months of lost wages will push the value higher. In California, settlements for serious clavicle fractures requiring surgery often exceed $100,000, particularly when the victim experiences long-term restrictions. Less severe fractures may resolve for $15,000 to $50,000. When you consult with us, we will analyze your medical records, employment history, and insurance details to give you a personalized estimate of what your claim may be worth. Broken Clavicle Insurance Settlement Challenges Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by claiming your injury was less severe than it was or arguing that your pain should not last as long as you describe. In a broken clavicle insurance settlement negotiation, adjusters may downplay the need for surgery or attempt to use low settlement formulas. Our job is to counter these tactics with medical records, expert opinions, and testimony from those who see how your injury affects your daily life. A clavicle fracture car accident settlement in California must also take into account state rules on negligence. If the other driver tries to argue that you were partially at fault, your settlement could be reduced. We work to build a strong liability case with police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction when necessary. California law allows you to recover damages even if you share some responsibility, but reducing or eliminating that claim of fault can significantly raise your final settlement. Length of Recovery and Its Impact Healing from a broken clavicle can take weeks to months. If surgery is required, recovery time often stretches much longer. You may be unable to drive, lift, or perform work duties during this period. Some victims report long-term stiffness or reduced range of motion in the shoulder. Every additional month of limitation increases the value of your broken clavicle settlement because it extends your suffering, your medical care, and your lost wages. Role of Medical Evidence Strong medical evidence anchors the value of your claim. Medical evidence usually includes:  We gather this information and present it in a way that leaves little doubt about the seriousness of your injury. If you are having trouble accessing medical care, we can help connect you with healthcare providers in your area. Take the Next Step At the Beliz Law Firm, we offer personal attention and direct communication with attorneys, not layers of staff who may not understand your case. We focus exclusively on personal injury law, and since 2006, we have built a track record of achieving meaningful results for clients across California. Since opening our firm in 2011, we have remained committed to giving each client the one-on-one attention that makes a difference in outcomes. We know that your case is not only about numbers but about your ability to return to life with confidence and security. We use our experience to push back against insurance companies and secure settlements that reflect the full impact of your injury on your life. If you or a loved one has suffered a fractured clavicle in a California car accident, you do not have to face the claims process alone. Contact the Beliz Law Firm for a free case review. We will review your case, answer your questions, explain the factors that may shape your settlement, and fight for the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

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